The Maine Masonic College FAQ
Q: I've decided to attend a course that's being held tomorrow. Can I just show up?
A: Each course has different requirements. Many courses, for example, will have prior reading with material that has been mailed to registrants. As a result, walk-ins won't be prepared for the course. This can be disruptive to the class and you as a student will not benefit as much as you might have. Further, walk-ins create problems with seating and food arrangements. Several days before a course, we make a commitment to the facility for the amount of food they'll provide. When folks just show up, there are all kinds of disruptions so please be considerate and register in advance! NOTE: Cancellations with FULL refunds are accepted up to 10 days before the class so register early and cancel if you need to.
Our Extension Course are formatted in an entirely different way and in most cases, we will welcome 'drop-ins' for those programs.
Q: Why is there a registration fee?
A: In order to have a learning environment appropriate to this endeavor, we generally use commercial facilities that have purpose-designed meeting space. The seating in lodge halls is generally not suitable for interactive training with an instructor while the kitchen/dining facilities in most Masonic halls are often not optimized for comfort and sound dispersion not to mention the lack of audio-visual capabilities etc. Using a commercial facility tends to eliminate these problems and the venue is more inviting to non-Mason attendees. We have developed a spreadsheet-based fixed and variable cost determination program to ensure that our courses are priced at the lowest possible level consistent with our ability to produce programs of quality. If a particular financial problem precludes your attendance, please contact the Secretary of the Board of Regents in confidence.
Q: How long does it take to get a diploma?
A: We originally said " The Maine Masonic College does not offer a 'diploma' or 'completion' program of any kind. There is no 'beginning to end' study plan. Courses are offered based on the availability of instructors and interest to potential participants. We believe learning is a life-long process without a start or finish." As the College passes its initial stages and we receive feedback, we are seriously exploring the options available however and our Committee on Curriculum is carefully reviewing the potential of a program that would provide courses in the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. We'll make announcements as this evolves. In the meantime, we are recording 'MEUs' - Masonic Education Units - for those who've attended our courses.
Q: I'm a Mason from Ohio. Can I attend your courses?
A: In most cases, it doesn't matter whether you're a Mason or not: the majority of our courses can be attended by ANYONE regardless of their Masonic membership. When courses are limited to Master Masons only, we welcome attendance by those who hold membership in a lodge in amity with the Grand Lodge of Maine. Your current dues card or other proof of membership will be required either at the time of registration or attendance.
Q: I live in Berwick, Maine. When will you offer MMC courses in my area?
A: We are trying to plan our courses so as to be accessible to all Masons in Maine and their communities. If you and others decide that you'd like to have a particular course given in your own city/town, please contact the Secretary with full particulars. Most of our instructors will provide their courses in a given location provided there is a guarantee of an agreed-upon attendance figure. (This means that MMC would be guaranteed minimum number of registrations at the course registration fee.)
Q. I live in Albany, New York. When are you going to be offering courses in MY area?
A: We've been thrilled by the interest expressed by those outside of the Pine Tree State, particularly amongst Masons. Maine has historically been a leader in the Masonic world and the uniqueness of the Maine Masonic College reflects, yet again, this leadership. At this time, we have no plans to provide our courses outside of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maine but - as with any evolving vision - this may change in time. It is important to note that although our program is - at present - quite unique, there is nothing whatsoever to prevent its replication in other jurisdictions. We'd welcome your registration at any of our courses and we also encourage you to offer your assistance in the educational program(s) offered by your own jurisdiction.
Q: When will MMC be offering CD/DVD and/or interactive training?
A: While online presentations may seem effortless, good ones involve considerable time and expenses. Even seemingly simple things (Podcasts, Blogs, etc.) require a major commitment in time and effort if they are to be done in a way that potential users will find useful rather than just a curiosity. We are exploring various venues and learning modalities of all types and, recognizing the continuing growth of internet education uses. At this time, our major concern is cost but 'Where There's A Will, There's A Way' and this can-do attitude is a guiding principle of the Board of Regents. Stay tuned!
Q: I've seen the book listings in the Resources Section. Should I be reading all of these prior to attendance?
A: No. The topical book listings are provided merely to help those interested in the specific topic area both before and after their course attendance. When there is required preparatory reading, it will be noted in the course registration information.
Q: I volunteered to teach a course when you had your first online survey yet I never heard anything further. What's up?
A: The Chair of our Faculty & Curriculum Committee sent an initial message contacting all of those who volunteered. We've heard back from a few of you but others have not responded. Just contact us and we'll get you involved!
Q: What should I bring to the course? What should I wear?
A: Bring an open and inquiring mind! Wear what you want (business casual appreciated - for men, this could be a polo shirt and slacks, for example.). You may also wish to bring your own pen/paper for note taking although we always have these available on site.
Q: I wasn't able to attend a course. When will it be repeated?
A: We plan on repeating courses, generally within a few months of their original presentation. Keep watching this site for announcements. Whenever a course is limited in attendance and some had to be turned away, we will repeat the course again very soon thereafter.
This page last updated on February 14, 2007
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